NYC Parks Dept. Wants To Help You Get Fit For Free

NEW YORK (AP/CBSNewYork) - The city's Parks Department is launching the new year with free fitness classes for residents.

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The 12-week "Shape Up NYC" challenge will be offered at more than 30 sites around the city.

Private trainer and group fitness instructor for Equinox Health Clubs in Manhattan, Kiley Schoenfelder, said the program was a good way for people to meet others who want to get fit.

Schoenfelder told 1010 WINS the classes would also help individuals "gain some knowledge as to how to properly do... some few basic exercises that they can take with them throughout their week."

The programs for adults and kids vary widely. They include yoga, pilates, cardio dance, boot camp, kickboxing and chair aerobics.

Organizers also hope the free classes will motivate participation from those who would not otherwise be able to pay for classes in their communities.

The "kick off week'' starts Monday.

There is no pre-registration and those wanting to participate can sign up for the classes by finding the location in their neighborhood on the Parks Department website.

Assistant Commissioner for Public Programs at the Parks Dept., Annika Holder, also spoke with 1010 WINS Friday.

1010 WINS Reporter Terry Sheridan with details on the new free fitness classes offered by the city.

"There's no strings attached to this at all.  You just get on the website.  You find the class closest to your home or you find the class that sounds most interesting to you, and you go out and you try it out," she said.

Trainers will start by measuring participants' height, weight, strength, flexibility and body fat percentage.

Prizes will be awarded for the most impressive improvements when the challenge ends April 8.